LibDems demand HMRC probe into Tory tax deal

The Liberal Democrats have called on HM Revenue & Customs to investigate
the offshore transaction that allowed the Conservative Party to purchase its
former London headquarters.

Lord Oakeshott, the Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesman, told The
Observer, that the offshore deal was ‘not the way a political party should
behave and claimed HMRC could lose out on more than £1.2m in stamp duty.

The deal to buy the property in Smith Square and a connecting plot in Tufton
Street for £15.65m was negotiated by businessman Christopher Moran in 2005.

The party is now hoping to sell the properties for more than £30m, using
the profits to help fund the party’s election campaign